Starter Pack: Ant-Man

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We’re in the final countdown stages until we get our last Marvel movie of 2015, but first you have to ask yourself: how much do YOU know about Ant-Man? If you’re an avid comic book reader, you probably have a reasonable idea about Ant-Man. But to the average movie-goer, Ant-Man is very likely still a bit of a mystery. I mean, calling him a guy who shrinks and talks to ants doesn’t nearly do him justice: many people aren’t even aware that Hank Pym later advanced his technology and became Giant Man (and later, Yellowjacket). There have been multiple different men and women who have taken on the technology to fight crime, meaning Ant-Man’s rich history extends well into Marvel’s comic Universe. So in case you need a little refresher and would like to learn more about Marvel’s famous mini Avenger, check out four of our must-read Ant-Man titles to get you ready just in time for the movie.

Essential Series Vol. 1 Ant-Man

Consider this your precursor to the movie — an exposition, if you will. Meet the original Ant-Man, Hank Pym. Hank was a brilliant scientist who managed to develop a suit that allowed him to shrink his body down to miniscule size, yet maintain the strength of a normal-sized man. In this classic collection, you’ll meet Hank Pym, his wife Janet Van Dyne, and get a chance to see some of Ant-Man’s most important adventures as a founding member of the Avengers. You’ll also get to see the expanded capabilities of Hank’s suit as he takes on the Giant Man mantle and fights crime as the iconic, towering tall Avenger. Take into account, however, that this is NOT the main Ant-Man you’ll be seeing in action during the film. While Hank Pym will still play an integral role, he will have already retired from the super heroics, and pass the Ant-Man onto Paul Rudd’s character, Scott Lang.

Marvel Premiere #47-48

Meet Scott Lang: convicted felon, thief, and struggling father. This is the guy you really want to get to know. In these issues, Marvel revealed Scott’s backstory and origins — explaining the events of how Scott obtained Hank Pym’s old Ant-Man suit by breaking in and stealing it, and later being pardoned by Hank himself. Working as a mentor of sorts, Hank gave Scott permission to use the suit, if and only if Scott changed his ways and lived the life of a hero. You’ll meet Scott’s daughter Cassie, too, and see how their complicated relationship is the driving force behind Scott Lang’s Ant-Man.

Avengers Vol. 1 #59

We’re not entirely sure how this part will play out in the movie, but here is your official introduction to Yellow Jacket. His first appearance, to be exact. In the comics, it was revealed that Yellowjacket was actually Hank Pym in a new suit that added flight to his shrinking and growing powers. However, in the film it looks as if Yellowjacket will be portrayed by Corey Stoll’s Darren Cross, a self-made millionaire and tech business man who has often been a thorn in Hank Pym’s side. Whether Hank Pym is linked to the Yellowjacket suit or not, it seems Marvel may have a few surprises up their sleeve when it comes to Yellowjacket. But at least now you’ll be familiar with the character in preparation for the movie.

Avengers Vol. 3 #62

We’re thinking of the future with this title — in which Scott Lang officially becomes a member of the Avengers. Spoiler alert, but: Paul Rudd is already confirmed for Captain America: Civil War, so it looks like he’ll be getting an invite to the team at some point in the near future, if not at the end of the upcoming film. So get your first taste of the newest Avenger as you see how he adapts to joining the team. Scott will add a new dimension to the superhero wrecking ball, as his sarcastic nature and criminal past will add a unique perspective in relation to the rest of the tight-knit group.

We think that these stories will lay out the basics for you before you see Marvel’s Ant-Man on July 17th, 2015.

Hopefully by the time you reach the theater, you’ll be well-versed in the world of Ant-Man, Giant Man, Yellowjacket, and the Wasp. Any other reading suggestions? What are your favorite Ant-Man storylines? Are you a Pym, Lang, O’Grady, or Cassie fan? Let us know in the comments!